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Like it or not, we always have to wait for stuff. We seem to be made to suffer. It’s our lot in life. That’s why it’s always good to have in your phone some games aimed at making your waiting times a bit more fun (or, actually, a bit less annoying). Enter The City Traffic, a game by developer MGDL, which takes one of the biggest inconveniences of our times (traffic) and turns it into a fun game with nice, welcoming graphics and engaging gameplay.

Developer: MGDL

Price: Free (with ads)

Setup

If you’ve ever downloaded a game from the Google Play Store, then you’re probably familiar with The City Traffic’s setup already. Just choose your Google Play Games account and away you go. This will let you upload your high scores to the Play Games platform and compare it with your friends that also have the game installed. Unfortunately, there’s no support for achievements yet.

Overview

The game itself is really simple. You are in control of four traffic lights: two for cars and two for pedestrians. The main objective is to dispatch them as fast as you can without triggering an accident (that is, don’t let cars crash either into each other or into pedestrians). Even though the concept is simple, the game can get hectic very fast, and you have to process a lot of stuff swiftly to avoid provoking a mess. Just ask the families of all the pedestrians I’ve killed while playing this.

The game starts easy enough…

Things wouldn’t be that hard (or interesting) without some kind of factor that keeps putting pressure on you. The catch in The City Traffic is that you can only have five cars piled up in both streets, and ten pedestrians fill up the two busy sidewalks of the city. If you let this limits overflow, it’s instant game over. Sure, when you start playing it’s fairly easy to control the limits, but as you keep going on, cars and people just keep coming at you without mercy, making it incredibly hard and requiring a lot of skill, concentration, and even luck to get as far as you can.

Fortunately, controls are responsive and work well enough in order to avoid becoming an inconvenience. The game has a nice pace that keeps getting harder the longer you play. Each successful car and pedestrian that makes it through the crossroad in one piece will give you points. Rack up points and you’ll advance through levels (read: the game will get harder).

When you finish a game, you get the option of returning to the main screen (for some weird reason, since it is nothing more than a way of starting the game again), restart the game, or look at your place on the leaderboard. You can also compare your current score with your highest score.

The controls are so simple that this is literally the only explanation you’ll need.

Sadly, this last part is more important than it should, since it’s the only element of the game that provides replay value. There’s no achievements or progression in the game: it’s just you against your high score.

This means that, after several times playing the game, you already have seen all it has to offer. Make sure you play in short bursts, then. You might start to get a bit bored of it after a while if you do otherwise.

Graphics

Absolutely every asset of the game is done in a pixelated way. You may or may not like the increasing influx of games featuring pixel art, but I think that, as long as it chooses a pattern and sticks with it to the end, it’s fine. Fortunately, The City Traffic has done a good job in making sure that every asset follows the same pattern for the most part. This results in a game with a cohesive appearance and that looks pretty.

My only complaint is that, in my opinion, perfect circles do not belong in a game with pixel art. There are some places where perfect circles are displayed (very apparent in the traffic lights you have to press to control the game), so they look a bit off when you see them against the buildings, cars, and pedestrians.

Things can get frantic really fast.

Sound

There’s one song that plays through each of your rounds. It has a very soothing and relaxing vibe to it (which is a nice contrast to the mayhem that’s happening on screen). There are some other sound effects sprinkled here and there, but nothing to write home about. Everything is appropriate and of a quality decent enough to not disturb the gameplay but enhance it.

Ads

There’s a small, persistent ad at the bottom of the screen at all times. That’s not bad at all, and something that a lot of games and apps do in order to avoid having to charge customers.

Get used to this screen, because you’ll se it a lot.

However, the big problem comes when you finish a game (and, as you may have figured, that will happen a lot). Sometimes, it will show a full-screen video ad, which is, in my opinion, the most unforgivable sin of mobile advertising. Nobody likes video ads, and even less when they’re full screen on a phone that probably has a limited amount of data. Unfortunately, with each passing day, video ads are becoming the norm rather than the exception.

There’s no way of removing them for now through an in-app purchase, something the developer should consider since there are still people out there who are willing to pay for removing pesky ads.

Conclusion

The City Traffic is a nice game if you want to burn some minutes while waiting for the bus or to avoid making eye contact with the other patients at your doctor’s office. Solid graphics, decent sound, and a frenetic gameplay make this game suitable for short bursts. Don’t expect it to be a deep, story-driven game, though. Apart from improving your high score, there’s no replay value and nothing to bring you back other than your own addiction. If you don’t mind this, then it’s a fun, easy-to-play game that will serve you well.

Download The City Traffic from the Google Play Store.

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LeEco is trying to make its way into the U.S. after a (relatively) long history selling products in China and India, and it’s kicking things off by selling a few of its top products via a “flash sale” on November 2. It’s an unfamiliar model for most people in the U.S., but the products offer enticing value propositions with very attractive pricing.

Before the sale kicks off, here’s an introduction to LeEco, its products, the LeMall store and its interesting consumer sales model.

What’s LeEco all about?

Chances are you haven’t heard of LeEco, or if you know the name you don’t really know its business. LeEco is a rather large company based in China that started as a TV maker but has over the years expanded into several different industries, including phones, virtual reality, bicycles, cars, television and movie production, content distribution networks and so much more. Before coming to the U.S. in an official capacity, LeEco also purchased TV maker Vizio, though it has chosen to launch its own LeEco-branded TVs here.

LeEco sells its products directly to consumers through its LeMall website; a model that will continue as it launches in the U.S. Part of its reasoning for the direct sales is to create a feedback loop with its customers, soliciting responses and reviews of its products through the “UP2U” program.

For a robust primer on LeEco, be sure to read our introduction to the company right here.

What products are coming to the U.S.?

LeEco makes a lot of products across a diverse set of industries, but to start it’s only bringing a couple of them to the U.S.

Most interesting to the Android Central readership will be the two phones, the Le Pro3 and Le S3 — one high-specced phone priced at $399 and a mid-ranger priced at $249. The phones aren’t particularly exciting in terms of external hardware, but offer good specs and quality for the money. The phones run Android 6.0 with LeEco’s EUI, or Ecosystem User Interface, which ties them together nicely with LeEco’s other products. The big selling point for these phones is the vast amount of video content and services available.

More: LeEco Le Pro3 and Le S3 hands-on

Secondarily, LeEco is also bringing its line of aggressively priced Super4 4K HDR smart TV sets to the States. Starting at $649 for the 43-inch model up to $4999 for the 85-inch “uMax” model, they offer a lot for the money. The TVs run Android with LeEco’s consistent interface and access to its content ecosystem — under the hood they have quad-core processors, 3GB of RAM and 16GB of storage, putting them a step above your average smart TV.

Rounding out the product offering, LeEco is also selling its range of accessories, including headphones, speakers, batteries, chargers and the like — all with consistent designs and attractive prices to match.

What are LeRewards and the flash sale?

So here’s the thing: you can’t just go to the LeMall store and buy these products whenever you want. Following the popular model used regularly in Asia, LeEco has “flash sales” for its products in which a limited stock is made available at a specific date and time for fans to buy while supplies last. In order to participate, you have to sign up for the “LeRewards” program at LeMall.com — then, on November 2 and 10:00 a.m. PT / 1:00 p.m. ET the sale is on.

You can make your purchases while supplies last — which could last as short as a few minutes — and as a LeRewards member you get instant discounts on the products. The discounts range from $100 off of a Le S3 phone (dropping the price to $150) up to $1000 off the uMax85 TV (dropping to $3999). If you miss out on the flash sale, you can register the day after for the next round of sales and claim instant rebates once again.

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Integrity is a loaded word, but it’s one that Google takes particularly seriously given the skeptics who have questioned the reliability of Android’s Play Store.

Google has announced that it’s rolling out improved detection and filtering systems to help rid the visibility of less-than-stellar applications in Android’s app marketplace. This includes apps from developers who may have attempted to manipulate the placement of their apps through illegitimate means such as fraudulent installs, fake reviews, and even incentivized ratings. As written in the Android Developers Blog:

These attempts not only violate the Google Play Developer Policy but also harm our community of developers by hindering their chances of being discovered or recommended through our systems. Ultimately, they put the end users at risk of making wrong decisions based on inaccurate, unauthentic information.

As a user, you won’t have to worry about much on your end. If there’s an app in the Play Store that’s engaging in unethical practices, Google’s systems will detect it and filter it out of your search results. Developers will also be fine as long as they continue to abide by the Google Play Developer Policy. Google also asks that developers take caution with third-party marketing agencies that promote apps to ensure that they also follow the rules.

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The Google Pixel is quite possibly the best phone of 2016. It’s a beautifully designed phone (and rather expensive to boot). If you’ve got one, you’ll want to make sure you keep it protected.

And therein lies the problem with any new phone — should you forgo a case and risk scratches and scuffs or keep it looking brand new with a rugged case? If you fall into the latter category, we’ve got some great options for you and your new phone.

Note: These are cases designed for the 5-inch Pixel, not the larger Pixel XL.

Spigen Rugged Armor

OtterBox Commuter

YOUMAKER Rugged Belt Clip

Wellci Hybrid Dual Layer Armor

Lifeproof FRE

Spigen Rugged Armor

We trust the cases Spigen makes, and you should too. Spigen’s durable Rugged Armor cases are typically among the best heavy duty cases you can buy for your phone. For their Pixel case, Spigen has gone an extra step in incorporating some of the unique design elements of the Pixel right into the case.

Along with the tough TPU providing edge-to-edge protection of scratches and scuffs and military-grade drop protection in the corners, the back of the case around the fingerprint scanner is designed to look like the iconic glass sheet on the top third of the Pixel. That way people in the know will recognize you’re using a Pixel even when you’ve got it covered in a case. This is the only one-piece case on this list, so if you’d prefer the added protection of a two-piece design keep reading.

For protection that’s stylin’, Spigen’s got what you need.

See at Amazon

OtterBox Commuter

OtterBox is another trusted name in phone cases, and their Commuter case for the Pixel is equal parts rugged and stylish.

This two-piece case features a rubber slipcover and a polycarbonate shell to offer superior protection for both drops and scratches. On the back, the case features a smart, ergonomically-designed channel to help your finger quickly find the fingerprint scanner.

Amazon provides your best deal on this case, but as of writing it is currently out of stock. If you’re not patient enough to wait, you should be able to get one right away from OtterBox .

See at Amazon

YOUMAKER Rugged Belt Clip

If protection is your top priority, this option from YOUMAKER offers layers of full-body protection along with an included belt clip if that’s your style.

With a thick TPU shell on the back, and a hard polycarbonate front plate featuring a built-in screen protector, this case is as rugged as they come. Clipped into the belt clip, your phone is fully protected from everything, making this a great option if you work on your feet and need the phone to be accessible and protected. Precise cutouts keep all the ports and buttons accessible, and the big loop around the fingerprint scanner makes it quick to find without looking. It’s a great option for those looking for quality protection and features at a reasonable price.

See at Amazon

Wellci Hybrid Dual Layer Armor

Sometimes the best way to prevent your phone from suffering drop damage is to make it harder to drop. The first thing you’ll notice about this case from Wellci is the pattern on the back of the polycarbonate shell, which helps to make this one of the grippier heavy duty cases you can get for your Pixel.

The shell works with the TPU slipcover to provide impact resistance and protection against scratches and scuffs. It’s also the cheapest case on this list, making it a great frugal option if you’re still looking for quality protection for your new Pixel.

See at Amazon

Lifeproof FRE

One of the glaring features omitted from the Pixel’s design was waterproofing. Considering the latest iPhone and Samsung devices have included it, some were a little disappointed Google didn’t match those specs with the Pixel.

A guide to waterproofing your Pixel

If the threat of water ruining your phone is a major concern for you, you’ll want to get a Lifeproof case. Their cases are some of the best you can get if you’re willing to spend top dollar to keep your phone protected. Currently, the Lifeproof FRE is not yet available for the Pixel, but you can learn about it and sign up for an email alert when it’s ready to ship.

Learn more at Lifeproof

Protection or style: What do you prioritize?

Are you the type to buy a case as soon as you get a new phone? Or do you prefer to show it off in it’s full splendor? Let us know in the comments!

Google Pixel + Pixel XL

Google Pixel and Pixel XL review

Google Pixel XL review: A U.S. perspective

Google Pixel FAQ: Should you upgrade?

Pixel + Pixel XL specs

Understanding Android 7.1 Nougat

Join the discussion in the forums!

Google Store
Verizon

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Switzerland is stepping up its bitcoin fascination in a big way. Railway operator SBB (with the help of SweePay) is launching a 2-year trial for a service that lets you exchange Swiss francs for bitcoin at any of the company’s ticket machines in the country. Scan a QR code with your phone and you can get between 20 to 500 francs ($20 to $505) of digital currency at any time. If you want to go shopping without using cards or physical cash, you can do it right after you leave the train station.

There are some big catches involved. You need to have a Swiss phone number to get bitcoin, so you’re not completely anonymous… and of course, you’re out of luck if you’re not a resident. You also can’t buy tickets with bitcoin at the machines, so don’t think your bitcoin mining operation will pay for your next trip to Zurich.

The experiment is meant to verify whether or not there’s a market for bitcoin. That may be difficult to prove. Even a relatively receptive country like Switzerland only has a limited number of physical stores that accept bitcoin, and there are only so many people willing to swap out money they already have. SBB’s advantage may simply be exposure. There are many rail stations in Switzerland, and people who don’t know the first thing about bitcoin may hear about it for the first time.

Via: Reuters

Source: SBB (1), (2)

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It’s nothing new to speculate that Apple will eventually put an OLED screen on the iPhone, it’s just a matter of when. Rumours back in March suggested Apple would install one in the iPhone 7S after Apple supposedly inked a deal with LG and Samsung for the mass production of OLED screens.

iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus: What’s the story so far?

Now though, it’s Sharp’s CEO that has pretty much confirmed the iPhone 8 – or iPhone Pro- due for release in September next year to commemorate 10 years of the iPhone, will feature an OLED screen.

Sharp CEO Jeng-wu Tai was speaking at Tatung University in Taiwan over the weekend and said “The iPhone has been evolving and now it is switching from LTPS to OLED panels”.”We don’t know whether Apple’s OLED iPhones will be a bit, but if Apple doesn’t walk down this path and transform itself, there will be no innovation. It is a crisis but it is also an opportunity”.

If that isn’t enough confirmation then we don’t know what is.

Tai is also an executive at Foxconn, Sharp’s parent company and manufacturer of the iPhone, so we’d say he’s in a good position to know what’s happening with future models.

Chinese site Nikkei also reports that Apple will release three iPhones in 2017, two that will still use LTPS panels and an iPhone Pro that will get an OLED panel instead. However, Nikkei was also the source of the rumour that Apple was close to signing a deal with LG and Samsung, which hasn’t happened, so we’d take the possibility of three iPhones with a pinch of salt for now.

It wouldn’t be too farfetched to assume that Apple will use an OLED panel though, as the company already uses them in the Watch. However that’s because it’s easier to manufacture smaller OLED panels for the watch screen, as opposed to 4.7- to 5.5-inch screens for the iPhone.

Apple is expected to unveil the new iPhone in September next year as part of its yearly cycle. Considering it will be the tenth anniversary of the ubiquitous smartphone, we wouldn’t be surprised if Apple wanted to radically change the design or components.

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Nintendo has announced that it will hold a dedicated presentation event for its next games console on 13 January next year, ahead of a March release. But we already know what to expect.

That’s because the gaming giant already revealed the Nintendo Switch in a teaser trailer in mid October and, from what we’ve seen so far, we’re in for some exciting times.

The trailer shows a device that can adapt and change like a Transformer from a home console to a handheld gaming portable with add-ons and clips. It also shows a games console that can even be played by two-players when out and about.

But does it show a console that can mix it with the PlayStation 4 or Xbox One? And how about the PS4 Pro or next year’s Project Scorpio?

We don’t have all the specifications or information at our disposal yet, nor have we played with the console ourselves, but considering we’ve bought and coveted every Nintendo games console since the NES, we’d like to share our gut feelings.

Nintendo Switch games: The games revealed so far and what we’d like to see

Nintendo Switch concept

The idea behind the Nintendo Switch is interesting if not unique. The Japanese gaming giant would have us believe it’s a totally original concept, but the idea of gaming on tablet-style device while travelling, to then hook it up to a television when at home is not new: the Nvidia Shield tablet (reviewed here) can effectively do the same.

The device that’s already available links with a very reasonable, low latency game controller and you can hook it up to a TV using a HDMI lead. Plus, thanks to its Tegra K1 processor, it is capable of console-like graphics.

We suspect and hope the Switch is considerably more powerful however, and the idea of clipping controls either side of the display will make for a more effective gaming device; kind-of like a Wii U GamePad with muscles.

The proper TV dock is a more elegant solution too – you don’t have to fiddle with cables. And we think the docking station will have its own tech inside, with many rumours suggesting that the Switch is capable of 4K video output for Netflix and the like.

Most importantly, the Switch looks like something we’d happily play with at home or outside. Whether we’d fancy gaming with friends using a tiny half of a Joy-Con controller is an altogether different kettle of fish, but it’s something we’ll only really find out when the console is available to test.

Nintendo

Nintendo Switch design

If there was anything disappointing about the console shown in the teaser trailer it’s that it looks like a dog. Literally. The Joy-Con controller, when connected to a home gaming device, looks strangely like a floppy-eared mutt. And the dark grey elements of the rest of the hardware make it look dull and uninspiring.

Yes, Nintendo consoles of yesteryear wore grey plastic exteriors like a badge of honour, but we’ve moved on since then. You wouldn’t settle for a shiny new Apple device in grey would you? What’s that, Space Grey you say?

Seriously though. While a normal home games console can afford to look practical rather than pretty, Nintendo wants you to carry the Switch around with you yet has seemingly taken a British autumn as its design inspiration. Cold and grey.

Hopefully – and likely – the games will be colourful enough to compensate.

Nintendo Switch touchscreen display

One part of the tech that has us a little baffled for now relates to its built-in screen. Although Nintendo is yet to confirm it, the current train of thought is that it has a touchscreen display (with a screen size of 6.2-inches being touted).

That’s great and makes sense given the DS family of handhelds and the Wii U GamePad have all been touch-enabled in the past, but what happens when the device is docked? If games rely on the touchscreen to operate, how will they work when the Switch is docked?

Some have suggested that at least one of the two Joy-Con controllers could double as pointer device in order to play touchscreen games on a TV, but having experience of that kind of solution on Android TVs before, it’s hardly ideal. We think developers will need to build different control methods into their games, only using touch as an extended feature rather than necessity.

Nintendo Switch Joy-Con controllers

The detachable Joy-Con controllers will undoubtedly improve gaming on the hoof, when clipped to the sides of the screen, but we’re less enamoured by the home gamepad solution proposed by Nintendo. They clip around a central pad for home control, but when constructed it just looks unweildy and chunky to hold comfortably.

Again, we’ll reserve judgement for when we fully go hands-on, but from the trailer, the Xbox One controller it is not.

Nintendo

Nintendo Switch games

Like all Nintendo consoles, the Wii U included, the Switch will undoubtedly have some of the best first-party games known to man.

Rumour suggested that an all-new Mario game will launch with the machine next year, and a platformer starring the rotund plumber is shown in the teaser. We thought it looked like Super Mario 3D World ourselves, maybe an enhanced version, but there wasn’t enough footage to know for sure.

A Mario Kart also features, but that definitely looks like the Wii U game already available.

One thing’s for sure, the list of supporting developers and publishers vastly outweighs the Wii U equivalent. Electronic Arts, for example, pulled out of supporting the Wii U early doors but is keen to stress it will be releasing Switch titles.

Hopefully, all of the third-party companies listed by Nintendo mean that the console will be on a par with the PS4 and Xbox One in number of games released. That in itself can make this machine more successful than the last.

Nintendo Switch price

Although we have some reservations, we’re optimistic that the Nintendo Switch will be a valid and valued competitor in the games market going forward. There are certainly enough Ninty fans out there to drive sales if the end product is attractive enough.

The one element that can have the biggest sway though is price. If Nintendo manages to price its new machine cleverly, it’ll have a good chance against its rivals.

Unfortunately, initial indications are that the Switch could be priced higher than many would hope. A senior executive at the company previously stated that Nintendo would not make a loss on the machine, pricing it realistically for the amount of tech you get. And if you watch the teaser trailer again, the absence of children is notable. Indeed, everyone in the video looks like they could afford a more lifestyle product.

Conclusion

Naturally, we’re taking a stab in the dark with much of the above. Our impressions are entirely based on a device we’ve only seen in a three-minute commercial after all. But we are enthusiastic to find out more.

And considering that we are also big fans of the Wii U, regardless of its failings, Nintendo doesn’t have much to do to convince us that the Switch will be something we shall happily accept into our living rooms.

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Nike has some competition. Though the company has gotten a lot of attention for its Back to the Future-inspired HyperAdapt sneakers, it’s not the only brand working on self-lacing shoes. Almost a year ago, Puma showed off its own self-lacing sneakers, called the Autodiscs, and seeded them to the likes of Usain Bolt and Rickie Fowler. Since then the company has had little to say about these rare shoes, but I recently had the chance to get an exclusive look at them and even try them on, courtesy of our friends over at Hong Kong-based Internet of Things accelerator Brinc.

In a nutshell, the Autodiscs are sneakers with built-in motors that loosen or tighten internal laces wrapped around the front part of the foot. This is done with a push of a button on the shoes or in the companion smartphone app. While some may dismiss this technology as an excuse for those who are too lazy to bend down to tie their laces, it can actually minimize hassle for sprinters who frequently have to re-tighten their laces on the track.

All told, the Autodiscs have two real advantages over Nike’s HyperAdapt. One is that the motors are embedded in the tongues instead of beneath the soles, thus allowing the Autodisc to flex more like ordinary sneakers. Second, the HyperAdapt lacks smartphone connectivity whereas the Autodisc let you jump straight to your desired tightness for each shoe (the tightness is offered in three levels) as well as monitor its battery levels. Speaking of the sort, to recharge the shoes, just place the heels on the accompanying wireless-charging mat until the indicators stop blinking.

What the Autodiscs do miss out on is the HyperAdapt’s automatic self-tightening feature: As soon as you put on the HyperAdapt, the pressure sensor in the heels toggles the self-lacing mechanism, meaning you don’t have to lean down to push a button to manually tighten the shoes.

These shoes feel as if they come from the future.

In my time wearing the Autodiscs, they felt very much like normal sneakers but with the added ability to wrap tighter around my feet. It was always satisfying whenever the laces were active on my feet. Combined with a high-pitched mechanical noise, these shoes feel as if they come from the future.

Bay McLaughlin, the COO and co-founder of Brinc, has been following this project for over two years, though the research and development on this particular auto-lacing technology has been around for nearly a decade. According to McLaughlin, it wasn’t until the Rio Olympics earlier this year that Puma decided to focus explicitly on track and field with the Autodisc. To date, only 50 pairs have been made, many of which are apparently in the hands of renowned athletes. Puma is currently making them in two colors: black and yellow.

While McLaughlin couldn’t share more technical details or a target price point, he reckons Puma will likely commercialize the Autodisc; it’s just a matter of gauging consumer demand, which Nike has sort of been doing all of this time with the MAG.

“It’d be different if these were a prototype version sitting on the side of the factory floor or in a lab somewhere, but these two companies are going after this space, this is very apparent now,” McLaughlin said, referring to the super competitive nature of the sneaker market. “This project’s been under way for a long time, they have the top athletes in the world testing them. Nike’s now gotten public about them in the last few weeks. The game is afoot, as they would say. It’s happening.”

When the Autodiscs do eventually go on sale, chances are they won’t come cheap. But for serious athletes, they might be intriguing, especially if future versions can automatically tighten themselves on the fly or maybe use biometric data to help assess their performance. Just our two cents, Puma.

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The iOS 10.1 update addressed a lot of initial gripes with Apple’s latest mobile operating system. However, it also introduced a glaring bug for some users: the Health app might not show your data, which is more than a little troublesome if you’re a fitness maven or need those stats for medical reasons. Don’t fret, though. Apple has released an iOS 10.1.1 update for the iPad, iPhone and iPod touch that makes sure you can see Health info. This is a relatively tiny update (the over-the-air fix is well under 100MB for many iPhone users), but it’ll matter a lot if you’re tracking step counts or calories with your Apple gear.

Via: 9to5Mac

Source: Apple

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For its latest experiment, Twitter has enabled the Apple-built ‘Reader’ feature by default inside its iOS app. As the Guardian reports, this meanssome, but not all users are seeing simplified web pages when they click on links contained within tweets. The option, which appeared in the mobile version of Safari back in 2011, removes the formatting found on almost any site, giving you a cleaner, arguably more readable layout. The drawback is that you lose the page’s visual identity and sometimes, Safari will make a mess of it, giving you a broken or space-riddled article.

For now, it’s just a test. Twitter does these all the time and only some result in a global roll-out. Still, it’s useful to know what the company is working on. Chief executive Jack Dorsey has described the platform as “the people’s news network” in a recent internal memo. If it’s doubling down on journalism, it makes sense for the company to experiment with how the news is presented to people. Twitter doesn’t have a competitor to Facebook’s Instant Articles, or Google’s AMP initiative both of which promise faster load times and a more consistent user experience. Reader, for now, could be a substitute while Twitter works on something in-house.